Synonym Chooser

How is the word urbane different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of urbane are bland, diplomatic, politic, smooth, and suave. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

When could bland be used to replace urbane?

In some situations, the words bland and urbane are roughly equivalent. However, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When might diplomatic be a better fit than urbane?

The synonyms diplomatic and urbane are sometimes interchangeable, but diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When is politic a more appropriate choice than urbane?

While in some cases nearly identical to urbane, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

Where would smooth be a reasonable alternative to urbane?

While the synonyms smooth and urbane are close in meaning, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of urbane?

Although the words suave and urbane have much in common, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of urbane In the years since this novel was released, popular culture has fallen in love with the urbane, suave and sophisticated version of Lecter that lives in our zeitgeist. S.a. Cosby, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025 Tony Roberts, the urbane supporting actor known for his collaborations with Woody Allen in six films — including the Oscar best picture winner Annie Hall — and two Broadway plays, died Friday. Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 Also known as Bozen, the prosperous city is a taste of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a reminder that today’s Italy is only about 100 years old, and an especially urbane pan-European corner of Europe. Ann Abel, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 Murnau’s reimagining of the Count is monstrous rather than urbane. David Sims, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for urbane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urbane
Adjective
  • Inside the lines, however, each hole connects to very sophisticated emitter that releases water one drop at a time.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • That review can be cursory (does your tax return match the data that the IRS has on file?) or a bit more sophisticated (does your tax return make sense based on other data, like your historic filing patterns?).
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The lighting is sufficient for patrons to take it all in, and the sound level, despite the size of the room, has been successfully brought down to a civilized level.
    John Mariani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Even a hearing on the proposal to arm school staff is equal parts passionate and civilized, as the majority gun-owning constituents don’t all agree that the Second Amendment should extend to the classroom.
    Lauren Wissot, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Roan often wears her hair down in soft red ringlets letting her bangs fall loose for a naturally graceful, modern look.
    Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
  • He’s built like a wrestler, but graceful, too, an experienced kickboxer with a trademark, face-smashing spinning back-kick.
    John DeVore, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His other performances included as Robert De Niro’s nasty henchman in Michael Mann’s Heat (1995); as Marlon Brando’s insane assistant in John Frankenheimer’s The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996) and as the suave crook Simon Templar in Phillip Noyce’s The Saint (1997).
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Romeo, 22, looked suave in a brown suit similar to the color of his sister's dress.
    Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Clara’s Table restaurant is Dearborn Inn’s tribute to Henry Ford’s wife, Clara, a passionate horticulturist and gracious hostess.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The press conference had a very gracious tone on the U.S. relationship.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The ride: The Niro’s suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a generally smooth and comfortable ride, especially in urban environments.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Wow Dreamcoat and Pop & Lock Finishing Serum for creating a super smooth and sleek look.
    Jessica Fields, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Urbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urbane. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on urbane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!